CHAPTER 153: | PUNISHMENT AND SOLIA'S OFFERINGS
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"Now, I don't like you losing your sight just because of these small skirmishes of yours. So, let me grant you a new pair of eyeballs to see the light of day. Huhuhu." I cackled, then grinned.
SQUELCH.
I lodged my hands into my eye sockets and pulled them out without batting an eyelid.
As I initiated the mutations of the Eyes of Truth, pain rammed into my brain like a bitch, or more like a mountain crashing down to grind me into fine powder. But I didn't scream. I didn't let out the slightest sound.
I opened my bloodied eyes, no, the empty sockets, and stared at the eyeballs in my hands, tendrils wiggling from the nerves. I pushed them into the screaming Ishtar. For a split second, I activated the special ocular traits of the Eyes of Truth.
Flash.
That special trait allows its wielder to see the workings of the reality in its barest form. But I closed the connection as fast as I activated it. For I had seen enough, and I didn't want the other Judges of Truth to notice that I had regained these eyes. That was the reason I gave them to Ishtar in the first place, disguised as a fortuitous encounter, an inheritance from an old monster.
I cackled, then turned my attention to the wisp of the core in my other hand. Which was Lumicor quietly panicking inside of his confines.
I couldn't decide what should I do to him. Should I kill him for daring to deceive me? No. It isn't suited for him to die a dog’s death like this. For he would be my greatest supporter in my ascendance.
Then I should punish him by erasing the circuits in his core... yea, that seems to be fair. Erasing the circuits of a core means his future as a Mage would be forfeited. All of his magical power would be halved by ninety percent, thus he will be deemed useless for a while. This is ideal since I can't control him right now.
"Then it's decided!" I will incinerate the circuits in his demonic core, rendering him useless. But I won't completely dissolve it. I will let it repair every time he starts barking for me like a dog.
I guess this is it. The fate of an arrogant genius who is greater than I, but dumber than a donkey. I clenched my claws and let out a weary sigh. This is going to be a tiring work. "Huhuhu... I guess this is the end of your path as a mage, Lumicor..."
Lumicor, whose soul was trapped inside the luminescent pearl at the palm of his greatest enemy, Alister Von Fai, went extremely pale at those remarks. 'Wha-what did he mean? My end as a mage? He must be kidding, right?! Right!!!'
He couldn't believe it. He was going to be a cripple? He would lose nearly ninety percent of his authority over mana just because of this one mistake? That mistake being his treachery, betraying this man whom he had already deemed a psychopath.
It meant the end of his conquest for power. The end of his life as the greatest spellcaster in the world. He was in shock. But the more he looked at Alister, who was slowly incinerating his circuits using [mercy,] his heart dropped.
He couldn't help but shout at the top of his lungs within his confines. 'THIS ISN'T THE END, ALISTER VON FAI! I DIDN'T DICTATE MY DEATH YET! SO HEAR ME, FOR YOU ARE READING MY INTENT RIGHT THIS MOMENT!'
'I SHALL RETURN! AND RETURN I SHALL! I WILL ESCAPE FROM THESE CHAINS OF WEAKNESS AND CHALLENGE YOUR RULE UNTIL THE END OF TIME, SINCE I AM LUMICOR!' But no matter what he did, it didn't matter. Alister continued nonetheless. Even if he heard Lumicor screaming with the despair of having his greatest work, his greatest pride, breaking in front of him.
Lumicor was being driven into a wedge of insanity. But he couldn't do anything since he wasn't a damned Emperor. As conceited as he was, he knew that only Emperors could use magic without their vessels, the bodies given to them by their parents. He, a Sovereign, could do nothing but watch as his circuits vanished before his eyes.
He clenched his astral teeth, then shouted with rage. 'THESE DAMNED EMPERORS! THESE DAMNED EMPERORS!'
'JUST BECAUSE I AM NOT ONE DOESN'T MEAN THAT I WILL NOT ACHIEVE IT! I AM LUMICOR, THE GOD OF THE LAKE OF DREADNOUGHT! SO HOW COULD I FALL FROM THIS MERE LOSS OF MANA!!!'
'I STILL POSSESS THE BODY OF A LEVIATHAN WHOSE STRENGTH RIVALS THAT OF DRAGONS! SO HOW CAN I BE LIMITED TO ONE METHOD?! IF MY MANA HAS FORSAKEN ME, THEN SO BE IT!'
'I DON'T NEED MANA! I HAVE MY BODY! I CAN WIELD A SPEAR TO REACH MY GOAL! SO BURN IT! BURN IT, ALISTER VON FAI!'
'RENDER ME OF MY MANA FOR THE SIN OF THIS TREACHERY! LET ME EXPERIENCE FAILURE, THE VERY THING THAT I DIDN'T EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE! LET ME EXPERIENCE IT! TAKE IT AWAY FOR ALL I CARE!'
'AS I, LUMICOR, SHALL REMAIN AT THE HIGHEST SUMMIT! HIGHER THAN YOU ARE! FOR I AM A GOD! THE GOD THAT EVERY LIVING BEING SHALL KNOW AND SHALL FEAR! I AM LUMICOR, THE GREATEST GENIUS IN ALL OF EXISTENCE! SO WHAT ARE THESE SMALL SETBACKS FOR ME, THE GREATEST OF ALL?!' His shouts were full of such vigor that even Solia, who was reading his intent, went still. His overflowing determination paled Ishtar in comparison.
Even when the circuits in his core were being destroyed in front of his eyes, Lumicor didn't despair. Instead, he became more agitated than before.
Solia shook her head. She knew it was a futile endeavor, but nonetheless, an admirable one. To not break down upon the mountain in front of you is a feat in itself. Her respect for Lumicor grew. But she quickly shook her head at these nefarious thoughts. Lumicor was still a traitor. Until his sins were forgiven by her God, Solia would hide her respect. She wasn't so dumb as to incur her God and Master's wrath upon herself.
She remained silent, then took a glance at Ishtar. Pity was visible in her intent, but she masked it with serenity. She watched the trembling Samantha staring at Lumicor shouting his resolve.
Ishtar, though her eyes, the ones that let her perceive the truth of the world, were currently in flux, wasn't so powerless as to not read Lumicor’s screaming intent. She sighed, glancing at her bestfriend Solia, then at Samantha 'who gave her a look of disgust,' it was the same mother of her 'who she remembered to be expressionless even in death.'
Finally, she looked at her father letting go of Lumicor’s core. As Tellus vanished then appeared out of nowhere, already retrieved Lumicor's body, which had been thrown away by Alister like trash earlier.
Alister looked at Solia, then smiled softly as he pulled a veil from his inventory. "Huhuhu, Solia, my ever-faithful attendant, my First Apostle. I forgot that you were here. So, huhuhu, let me reward you with this peerless treasure to compensate for your service."
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
I cackled, then handed Solia the 'Veil of the Grand Priestess', a treasured item that had the quality of a Higher Champion. Solia trembled as she received it and checked the description.
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[Veil of the Grand Priestess] — Tier: Higher Champion
[Description]
This sacred veil belonged to the Grand Apostle of Skaira. It is Annabelle’s treasured artifact, capable of amplifying all her senses a hundredfold at the cost of her sight.
Note: Beware, this is a peerless item that demands sacrifice, yet offers a power far greater than what is given up.
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Solia couldn't believe it. Her Master had given her yet another peerless treasure. Her usually aloof exterior broke into a fanatical smile. She kneeled on the ground, preparing to press her head into the dirt to kowtow, but before she could do so, her benevolent Master stopped her in the nick of time.
As he patted her like what he always did in the past, then gently whispered in her ear. "Huhuhu, there's no need for you to go to such an extreme length just to express your endless gratitude to me. Solia, you are my right-hand man, or perhaps woman, since you identify as such. So worry not. I am merely doing this for your growth."
Hearing his ever gentle voice, Solia couldn't find words to express her gratitude. She was yet again left hanging without anything to offer in return for her great Master's benevolence.
She clenched her fist, nodded at his words, and then pulled her inventory open.
THUD. THUD. THUD.
She glanced at the thousands of carcasses as she pulled all of them into reality. She arranged them neatly, separating the three Beast Lords and the Archdemon Deathworm in a different place, while the other miscellaneous carcasses were piled like a mountain.
She spoke to her Master in his mind. "Master, I know that I wouldn't be able to express my gratitude with words alone. Just like what you said, I am illiterate. Nor could I offer myself to you, because you have the Mistress. So, in order to at least repay your gracious benevolence, please accept these humble offerings from this servant of yours."
I smiled at her words, then patted her shoulder in acknowledgment. What she had brought me was a treasure trove on its own.
Especially these four powerful demonic beasts, they should be able to enhance my combat power as a Lower Emperor to get closer to becoming a Higher Emperor.
The other one hundred carcasses, ranging from Lower Sovereigns to Zenith Overlords, should serve as a stepping stone to increase my mana. Then the other twenty or so Kings to Lords should serve as nutrients for Samantha.
I was satisfied at how thoughtful Solia was and spoke to her with gratitude. "Huhuhu, this isn't a small offering, Solia, but a massive one for me at this stage. I am more than grateful for your thoughtfulness. So tell me, is there anything that you want me to do? Like improving your personal technique?"
Solia smiled, then nodded her head as she asked me in my mind. "Fufufu, I guess nothing escapes your eyes, Master. Then, if I am not too presumptuous, please help me complete this personal technique that I have been polishing these past few months. Of course, I won't bother you to help me right now, since you have yourself fot a feast."
I smiled, then dismissed all of them except Samantha. I couldn't help but look at Lumicor, who was staggering with difficulty as he cursed, but left the room. I cackled, then looked out at the carcasses that Solia had offered to me.
SLITHER.
I had my tendrils devour the four prominent carcasses that let out a tyrannical aura. Then, into the one hundred Zenith Overlords to Lower Sovereigns. I converted the fodder into stats and mana, while the four prominent beasts were converted into Skills.
I sighed, glancing at the notifications that flooded me. I cackled, then squeezed the remaining carcasses of their blood.
DRIP. DRIP.
I purified the blood and put it into an earthen chalice, proceeding to give it to Samantha. I ignored her as I selected my skills, then picked [Yes].
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[You have successfully devoured]
? [Archdemon Deathworm 8★]
? [Thunder Sturgeon 7★]
? [Lesser Sea Dragon 7★]
? [The Mad Thallasian 7★]
? [Demonic Deathworms 7★] x28
? [Lesser Demonic Deathworms 6★] x72
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[You may devour one of the following.]
? Stats
? Select a Skill
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[[You have chosen to devour the stats from the following Demonic Beasts.]
? Demonic Deathworms (Tier 7) × 28
? Lesser Demonic Deathworms (Tier 6) × 72
[You may choose which stat to extract.]
? Health
? Stamina
? Mana
? Physique
? Mystique
[You have selected Mana from all available targets.]
[Would you like to proceed?]
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[You have successfully devoured Mana from all selected Demonic Beasts.]
? +18,380 Mana Acquired
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[You may devour one of the following.]
? Stats
? Select a Skill
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[You have chosen to devour the skills from the following Demonic Beasts.]
? Archdemon Deathworm (8★)
? Thunder Sturgeon (7★)
? Lesser Sea Dragon (7★)
? The Mad Thallasian (7★)
[You may now select one skill from each profile.]
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Archdemon Deathworm — Champion of the Demonic Deathworm
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[Demonic Core]
? Abyssal Dune-Tyrant Core [Ascension IV]
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[Passive Skills]
? Sand-Phase Physiology
? Thermal Predator Instinct
? Abyssal Carapace Secretion
? Tremor-Sense Apex Circuit
? Desert Regeneration Coil
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[Active Skills]
? Subterranean Ambush Burst
? Sandstorm Mortality Spiral
? Burrowed Acceleration Surge
? Dune-Drag Vortex
? Abyssal Maw Rend
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[Ascension Skills]
? Sovereign of the Endless Dunes [Ascension III]
? Silent Erasure Swim [Ascension II]
? Tyrant Pressure of the Abyssal Sands [Ascension IV]
? Infinite Maw Cataclysm [Ascension IV]
? Primordial Sand-Phasing Authority [Ascension V]
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Thunder Sturgeon — Beast Lord of Lightning Currents
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[Demonic Core]
? Tempest-Seraphic Electrocore [Ascension III]
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[Passive Skills]
? Storm-Scaled Conduction
? Serpentine Electrofiber Muscles
? Thunder Vein Amplifiers
? Unbroken Current Instinct
? Abyssal-Pressure Resistance
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[Active Skills]
? Hundred-Bolt Cascade
? Thunderstep Afterimage Dive
? Tempest Burst Lance
? Ionized Maw Strike
? Stormstream Blink Shift
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[Ascension Skills]
? Sovereign Bolt Genesis [Ascension II]
? Lightning Dominion Field [Ascension III]
? Phantom Current Vanishing [Ascension II]
? Wrath of the Voidstorm Serpent [Ascension IV]
? Divine Thunder Apex Howl [Ascension V]
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Lesser Sea Dragon — Beast Lord of Abyssal Waters
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[Demonic Core]
? Abyssal Constellation Waterheart [Ascension II]
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[Passive Skills]
? Oceanborn Mana Wellspring
? Royal Aquatic Bloodline Pressure
? Liquid Resonance Coils
? Constellation Sphere Compression
? Tidal Overhealing Flesh
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[Active Skills]
? Thousand Constellation Spheres
? Abyssal Wave Howl
? Hydro-Pressure Burst Fang
? Whirlpool Crown Eruption
? Dragonstream Scatterbeam
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[Ascension Skills]
? Sovereign Water Constellation Array [Ascension II]
? Abyssal Royal Coercion [Ascension I]
? Tidal Cataclysm Domain [Ascension III]
? Celestial Wavebreaker Reign [Ascension IV]
? Primordial Sea-Dragon Pulse [Ascension V]
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The Mad Thallasian — Beast Lord of Chaotic Currents
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[Demonic Core]
? Angelic Deep-Seer Core [Ascension III]
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[Passive Skills]
? Ethereal Fin-Wing Structure
? Phase-Shifted Membrane
? Abyssal Sonar Echelon
? Madness-Touched Instinct Loop
? Void-Sensitive Nerve Array
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[Active Skills]
? Phase-Cut Slice
? Voidstream Glide
? Psionic Finspear Barrage
? Shifting Echo Assault
? Abyssal Rapture Cry
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[Ascension Skills]
? Seraphic Phase Dominion [Ascension II]
? Mindrend Abyssal Pulse [Ascension III]
? Celestial Abaddon Form [Ascension III]
? Angel of the Mad Currents [Ascension IV]
? Voidstep Sovereignty [Ascension IV]
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[You're skill: Grotesque Physique, had successfully devoured Four skills.]
Infinite Maw Cataclysm [Ascension IV]
A transcendent devouring phenomenon in which the beast’s abyssal core unfolds into an unending dimensional maw, erasing matter, mana, and willpower within its radius. Anything caught within its gravitational draw is consumed and converted into raw destructive essence.
Wrath of the Voidstorm Serpent [Ascension IV]
A sovereign lightning calamity that summons the primordial storm-force of the Void. Thunder, vacuum, and serpentine arcs of annihilation converge into a single serpentine strike capable of rupturing space and collapsing defensive formations.
Tidal Cataclysm Domain [Ascension III]
A sovereign territory of abyssal pressure and crushing tides where all water obeys the Beast Lord alone. Within this domain, currents sharpen into blades, pressure becomes a weapon, and all intruders are subjected to hydraulic destruction without escape.
Celestial Abaddon Form [Ascension III]
A metamorphic ascension that transforms the beast into its highest war-state: a celestial abomination wreathed in divine ruin. In this form, its physique, mana, and destructive authority rise exponentially, allowing it to unleash angelic radiance fused with abyssal extermination.
[Initiate mutations]
[Yes] / [No]
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